Government plans to streamline tourist entry

There are plans afoot to streamline immigration procedures to expedite entry for U.S. visitors arriving by air in Mexico, according to a statement from the Mexican government.

Current regulations call for a valid passport as well as a tourist card or visa, which can be granted at the Mexican airport upon arrival and must be surrendered upon departure.

The new procedures could be similar to the Global Entry system, which expedites customs and immigration for U.S. citizens re-entering the U.S. from abroad and in possession of a valid Global Entry card.

Mexico welcomed 23.1 million visitors in 2012, with the U.S. leading the pack, followed by Canada, the U.K., Spain and South America.